When is the time for fetal gender determination?
Pregnancy is something that every woman can experience. Whether she is a first-time mother or a woman who has been pregnant frequently, it is very necessary to understand the timing of fetal gender identification. Generally speaking, identifying the gender of the fetus needs to be carried out at a specific period of pregnancy, because during this period, the fetus has obvious physiological characteristics and has officially entered the time window for identification. The following will introduce the timing of fetal gender identification:
1. Ultrasound (B-ultrasound) examination
Ultrasound (B-ultrasound) examination is the most common method for fetal gender identification. At around 5-6 weeks of pregnancy, the fetus in the womb is only a few millimeters long, making it difficult to detect with B-ultrasound. However, by around the twelfth week of pregnancy, the fetus\’s external genitalia have already formed, and the gender of the fetus can be easily identified using ultrasound technology. Moreover, as the pregnancy progresses, the results of B-ultrasound testing become more and more accurate. By the end of pregnancy, the accuracy of B-ultrasound testing can reach more than 99%.
2. Threshold disease screening
Threshold Disease Screening (NIPT) is a new fetal gender identification technology that identifies fetal gender by analyzing cell-free fetal DNA (cffDNA) in the blood of pregnant women. Studies have confirmed that the accuracy of NIPT can reach more than 99%. Moreover, this technology can not only identify the gender of the fetus, but also screen for the risk of chromosomal abnormalities such as Down syndrome. NIPT technology can only be performed after 9 weeks of pregnancy.
3. DNA identification of menstrual blood samples
DNA identification technology of menstrual blood samples is another method for early fetal gender identification. This identification method requires collecting menstrual blood from pregnant women and extracting DNA from it for testing. Since in the early stages of fetal development, fetal DNA flowing out will be mixed into the menstrual blood of pregnant women, therefore by detecting fetal DNA in menstrual blood, early fetal gender identification can be achieved. However, this test method requires very precise and sensitive technical processing, and identification errors may occur in the case of early miscarriage.
4. Fetal intrauterine puncture technology
Fetal intrauterine puncture is a surgical method that uses a catheter and needle to insert a puncture device into a woman\’s uterus to collect fetal tissue or amniotic fluid for identification. This identification method is very accurate and can be performed around 14-20 weeks of pregnancy. However, because it is an invasive detection technology that may have an impact on the fetus during the operation, pregnant women need to choose more reputable hospitals and doctors when performing this technology.
Summary
Fetal gender identification has always been a matter of special concern to pregnant women. The gender of the fetus can be clearly determined through ultrasound examination, threshold disease screening, DNA identification of menstrual blood samples, and intrauterine puncture technology. However, each detection method has its advantages and disadvantages. When choosing a suitable identification method, pregnant women need to carefully analyze and find the method that best suits them. Do as many tests as possible during pregnancy so that you canUnderstand the gender and health status of your fetus, ensure your health during pregnancy, and become the cornerstone of a better future.
